The Five Most Dangerous Songs to Drive to, According to Science

If you have ever caught yourself accidentally speeding because a song came on a little too strong, science says you are not imagining it.

A new study suggests that certain popular songs can actually make you drive faster and take more risks behind the wheel, all because of their tempo.

Researchers at the South China University of Technology looked at how music affects driving behavior and found that songs with a tempo of 120 beats per minute or higher can encourage drivers to speed up and drive more aggressively.

Translation: If the song makes you want to drum on the steering wheel, it might also make your foot heavier on the gas.

According to the study, these are the most dangerous songs to drive to:

1. “American Idiot” by Green Day
2. “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus
3. “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
4. “Don’t Let Me Down” by The Chainsmokers
5. “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen

The common thread here is speed. Fast tempos can raise your heart rate and adrenaline, making you more likely to drive faster without realizing it. The researchers say it is not about the genre, it is about how your brain responds to the rhythm.

On the flip side, the study also identified songs that are far less likely to turn your commute into a Fast and Furious audition.

Least dangerous songs to drive to:

1. “Location” by Khalid
2. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin
3. “Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
4. “God’s Plan” by Drake
5. “Africa” by Toto

Of course, this does not mean you need to delete half your music library. It just means being aware of how music can influence your mood and behavior. If you are cruising on the highway or stuck in traffic, a calmer playlist might help keep both your speed and your blood pressure in check.

So maybe save “Mr. Brightside” for karaoke night, and let “Africa” guide you safely home.